Yup, it’s true. Dan Spangler got shafted by the CW’s new ownership group late yesterday afternoon.

At 4:30 yesterday, Dan was told that he was being let go because they couldn’t afford him and was asked to leave immediately.

Spangler has hosted the morning show since its inception in March 2008, at last count more than 300 shows. It expanded from 30 minutes to an hour earlier this year. While it’s never done well ratings-wise, the show’s emphasis on local activities and people made it a staple of morning TV.

Craig Hoffman filled in for him on this morning’s show, partly, without addressing his glaring absence. We’d heard rumors that a gal with an interesting past – Adele Guarino-Sanders, just google her – was being pushed as Dan’s replacement. Low and behold she was given what can best be considered a screen test this morning. During an “interview” of some dude from Campbellsville University, she had us cringing. Way worse than us on-air. And that’s saying a lot.

Long story short: sad to see Dan lose his job. Hopefully the station’s new ownership doesn’t muck things up around town.